TENNIS – Li Na has officially announced today that she will not be able to compete at the US Open. Rafael Nadal will miss the Master 1000 of Toronto and Cincinnati and his presence at Flushing Meadows is in doubt. Giulio Gasparin
Australian Open champion and world number two Li Na has officially announced today that she will not be able to compete at the last slam of the season due to knee problems.
The two-time slam winner released the news via Facebook with the following statement:
“I wanted to let all of my great fans know that unfortunately I am going to have to withdraw from the upcoming WTA events in Montreal and Cincinnati, as well as the US Open. Since March, I have been struggling with my knee and it is just not where I need it to be in order to play at the highest level. My medical team has advised me that I need to take some time off to rest my knee so it heels. I look forward to getting back on the court this fall in Wuhan and Beijing.”
Her absence will mathematically promote Simona Halep to a new career highest ranking next week as she will rise to world number two.
Concern is spread also on the chance that the ATP number two may be forced to skip the American slam.
Rafael Nadal has announced via Facebook that due to a wrist injury he will skip the next two Master 1000 in which he is defending champion.
“Disappointed for not being able to compete in Toronto and Cincinnati due to a wrist injury on my right hand. Sad also for the fans in North America who always support me. I expect to be well for the US Open. Thanks all for your support.”
Who is sure of watching the New York slam on television only is Alexandr Dolgopolov and Tommy Haas
The Ukrainian suffered a right knee injury in Hamburg and was forced to undergo a surgery that will keep him away from the tour until October.
Tommy Haas will also miss the US Open. The German veteran, 36 years old, is recovering from a shoulder injury that required surgery earlier this year.
On the women’s side, Serena Williams has played and won her first match since the virus that forced her to retire at Wimbledon, while the conditions of two other veterans are still to be checked as Flavia Pennetta will come back next week after a foot injury and Francesca Schiavone withdrew from Montreal due to a right lower leg injury occurred in Baku.
Zarina Diyas, the new name of Asian tennis after Wimbledon, has suffered a right elbow injury last night in her match against Kurumi Nara in Washington.
The Kazak has been forced to withdraw from Montreal too.
